America’s First Me Generation
Source: Salon
In this book review, Laura Miller draws connections between the Transcendentalists of the 19th century and individualist movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
History
Abigail Adams, Founding Mother
Source: The New York Times
In this review of Woody Holton’s book Abigail Adams, we learn more about the First Lady who often reminded her husband to “remember the ladies.” Although the changes of her time had yet to extend to women, Abigail Adams was standing up for her own and other women’s rights.
Group Working To Publicize 1867’s ‘Fourth Of July To Remember’
Source: WUKY
On Independence Day in 1867, an estimated 10,000 African Americans gathered in Lexington, Kentucky, to hear prominent civil rights leaders speak. Read this article for an account of the almost-forgotten event.
America, The Startup: How European Settlers Launched The Most Entrepreneurial Economy In The World
Source: Business Insider Australia
In this article, Rob Wile compares the early European settlers to today’s entrepreneurs. Read to find out how the two compare.
Frederick Douglass On How Slave Owners Used Food As A Weapon Of Control
Source: NPR
This article examines some of Frederick Douglass’s writings in which he describes how slave owners made use of food (and hunger) as a way of manipulating their slaves.
Anne Frank Who? Museums Combat Ignorance About the Holocaust
Source: The New York Times
Will Anne Frank ever be forgotten? As the Holocaust fades further into history, some historians are working to make sure that future generations don’t get the facts wrong or lose sight of its importance.
American slavery: Separating fact from myth
Source: The Conversation
A professor tackles some of the most enduring misconceptions Americans hold about the institution of slavery.
How did the advent of television impact politics?
Source: How Stuff Works
In today’s media-saturated political climate, it’s hard to imagine a world in which in news about government policies, court cases, and elected officials was relegated to print news sources. Read this article to learn about some of the ways in which television has impacted American politics.
Dirty Little Secret
Source: Smithsonian Magazine
Did you know that many American slaves fought for England during the Revolutionary War? They were promised their freedom if they did, and many took the offer. Read this article to learn more about slaves’ participation in the Revolutionary War.
The Klondike Gold Rush
Source: University of Washington Libraries
Read about the Klondike Gold Rush, which lured tens of thousands of gold-seekers into the harsh Yukon Territory, including Jack London.